Lucknow: In a move to strengthen women's safety and empowerment, Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh govt is set to launch ‘ Sakhi Niwas ' shelters in nine major districts across the state. The centres, each with a capacity to accommodate 50 women, aim to offer secure accommodation to women facing social, legal, or familial challenges, especially during times of crisis.
The initiative is part of govt's flagship scheme, Mission Shakti , which continues to provide dignity, protection and increased empowerment of women. Sakhi Niwas shelters will be funded jointly by Central and state govts, 60 per cent funds provided by Centre.
The districts selected for establishment of these shelters in the upcoming financial year include Lucknow, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, Agra, Bareilly, Meerut, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar. These locations were chosen based on factors such as population density, level of urbanisation, and the number of women-related cases reported.
"Primary objective of launching Sakhi Niwas is to provide a safe and secure place for women in crisis and these residential shelters will offer basic facilities such as stay, food, clothing and medical care at no cost," said a senior officer, adding that women staying in such homes would also to be provided counsellors, legal experts and skill training classes to make them financially independent. "Basic computer knowledge, sewing, embroidery and handicraft production would be taught to the women," he said.
